Indian embassy in Ukraine temporarily relocated to Poland amid Russian attack

The Indian embassy in Ukraine has been temporarily transferred to Poland, according to the ministry of external affairs, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its 18th day.

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“In view of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, including attacks in the western parts of the country, it has been decided that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine will be temporarily relocated in Poland. The situation will be reassessed in the light of further developments,” the government said. 

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The Indian government’s declaration came on the 18th day of severe fighting between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers. In the most recent development, an attack on a Ukrainian military base in Lviv killed 35 people and injured 134 more. According to the local mayor, nine persons were killed in a bombing in the city of Mykolaiv.

Air raid sirens have already been heard in numerous places across the war-torn country, sending citizens fleeing to bomb shelters for safety.

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The government has been unrelenting in its efforts to evacuate Indians from Ukraine’s combat zones. The embassy and Red Cross staff rescued about 600 Indians from Sumy last week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level security meeting on the situation in Ukraine and the worldwide ramifications just hours ago. He was also updated on the government’s Operation Ganga evacuation efforts to return Indian nationals and citizens of India’s neighbours.